Triplex Announces Renovation Plans for Outdoor Patio

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema today announced plans for a newly designed outdoor patio, which will be a multi-use community space replacing the existing patio and its surrounding wall that is danger of collapsing.
 
The new patio will be used for Triplex events including dining, socializing, outdoor receptions and screenings, as well as staged readings, performances, and music. The patio will be called "Narrow River," after the Hosokawa family, who has been a major contributor to the Triplex since it reopened as a nonprofit in 2023. 
 
"The name Hosoi Kawa literally means Narrow River in Japanese, combining hosoi (narrow) and kawa (river). In Japanese culture, rivers are deeply symbolic, representing the flow of life, impermanence, and quiet strength," Beverly Hosokawa said. "A narrow river suggests a more focused journey - one of peaceful reflection, intention, and quiet beauty found in simplicity."
 
"This terrace is inspired by the values described by Beverly Hosokawa and purposefully designed to foster connections in the community and beyond. It is a space for gathering, pausing and sharing - where conversation flows like water and community grows through meaningful moments," Patio designer Carrie Chen said.
 
Nicki Wilson, former Triplex Board President, who has been collaborating with both Ms. Hosokawa and Ms. Chen on this project said: "Our patio is almost 30 years old and is in desperate need of a renovation. This design for the patio represents a major step forward for the ‘new’ Triplex. We are grateful to Beverly for her generosity to the Triplex and to Carrie for her time and brilliant design." 
 
Wilson added: "This space will transform the Triplex in terms of our ability to hold a variety of events, and will also be available to the community for a range of uses."
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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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